WBTR Protocol
The European Airsoft Federation is incorporated under Dutch law and is therefore subject to the Wet Bestuur en Toezicht Rechtspersonen — the Dutch Act on Management and Supervision of Legal Entities, commonly referred to as the WBTR.
The WBTR sets standards for proper governance, responsible decision-making and the prevention and management of conflicts of interest. For the EAF, this is not only a legal obligation. It is also part of the Federation’s commitment to transparent, accountable and independent governance.
Purpose of the Protocol
The EAF WBTR Protocol explains how the Federation applies the requirements of Dutch law within its own governance structure. It is designed to protect the independence, integrity and democratic functioning of the Federation.
The Protocol applies to all members of the Executive Board, regardless of nationality or country of residence. Board members of the EAF act within a Dutch legal entity and are therefore bound by the same governance standards.
Conflicts of Interest
A central part of the WBTR Protocol concerns conflicts of interest. Board members must act in the interest of the Federation as a whole. Where a Board member has a direct or indirect personal interest that may conflict with the interests of the EAF, this must be disclosed and properly recorded.
A Board member with a conflict of interest does not participate in the relevant discussion or decision-making. If the conflict prevents the Board from taking a valid decision, the matter is referred to Congress in accordance with the Articles of Association.
Independence and Transparency
The Protocol requires the Federation to maintain a Register of Interests. This register records declared external positions, business interests, disclosed conflicts and any related decisions. It is reviewed annually and kept available to Full Members through the member portal.
Disclosure alone does not legitimize a conflict of interest. It is an administrative obligation that allows the Federation to assess whether the interest can be managed, or whether it creates a structural conflict that is incompatible with an EAF decision-making role.
Adoption by Congress
The WBTR Protocol was submitted to Congress as part of the Federation’s internal governance framework. It was circulated for consultation among members and adopted by Congress as an internal regulation.
Upon adoption, the protocol became binding on the Executive Board. The Board may issue practical implementing guidelines, provided these remain within the limits of the Articles of Association and the adopted protocol. The protocol may be reviewed and amended by a future Congress if required.
Access to the Protocol
A central part of the WBTR protocol concerns conflicts of interest. Board members must act in the interest of the Federation as a whole. Where a Board member has a direct or indirect personal interest that may conflict with the interests of the EAF, this must be disclosed and properly recorded.
A Board member with a conflict of interest does not participate in the relevant discussion or decision-making. If the conflict prevents the Board from taking a valid decision, the matter is referred to Congress in accordance with the Articles of Association.
The full WBTR protocol is available to EAF members through the Member Portal.